To an outsider, Janet was perfect. Pretty and looking younger than her 30 years, Janet was a perfect wife, daughter, sister, employee, homemaker, and hostess. She was perfectly groomed, well spoken and well mannered. That was the picture Janet presented to the outside world, but inside, she silently suffered from one of our most insidious diseases . . . the need to please others.

After completing one of our pet dog training courses, she invited me out to lunch. My head trainer and I enjoyed the Sunday brunch, while Janet munched on a carrot stick or two. Finally the main reason for the invitation became apparent; Janet asked to join our group and learn to be a puppy trainer.

Attending dog training classes with her troubled dog, Bear, had touched something inside Janet. She felt that if her own dog could respond to her, maybe she had something of value to offer others. Janet was on the exciting road to self-discovery, providing her with the courage to follow her passion.

Bear's past was too much to overcome, and he became dangerous. Janet and her husband made the dreaded decision, and after a period of grieving, Janet was ready to open her heart again, this time to a little Rottie puppy named Boomer.

By this time, Janet had completed her apprenticeship and was a full fledged trainer. Boomer became her soul mate. He was her Sun, and her Moon. Every success in Boomer's training was a success for Janet. Boomer helped her exchange her self-doubt for confidence and with Boomer by her side, Janet was able to take on the world. She attended her first conference. She had her first air plane ride. She allowed herself the luxury of giggling with a girl friend. She had learned to live outside the control of her father and her husband. Janet sparkled!

Janet was the ideal puppy trainer. She was always punctual and prepared, always enthusiastic and positive. Without fail, she made a connection with each puppy and client. Each successful puppy graduate became a notch on Janet's self-confidence belt. The love she showered on her clients was returned over and over again, and in time, became the most important love of all, self love.

Somewhere along her journey, Janet connected with an artist in Kentucky, Pidney. They shared a common love of Rotties, and became fast friends, Janet helping with his business, and Pidney encouraging her self development and creative talent.

When Janet announced she was divorcing her husband, leaving her job, taking her dogs, and moving to Kentucky, her Mother was the only one who encouraged her move. The rest of her friends did not predict a happy ending to her story.

Janet's love and bond with her own dog, and her success as a trainer, had released a very special new passion; she had discovered herself! Once she was able to love and trust herself, accepting love from others became easier.

The happy ending? Janet and Pidney are now married, and the proud pet parents of a Newfie, Daniel Boone. Janet has resumed her dog training classes in Kentucky, working with a local veterinarian. She volunteers at a riding camp for handicapped children. Janet and Pidney travel throughout the United States selling their art at dog shows. Janet has expanded the business to include note paper, watches, T-shirts, tapestries, limited edition prints, and recently they began to take private commissions.